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Question: How come I just can’t seem to grow my hair long? It just never gets past a certain length and then either breaks off or never gets longer. Why is that?

Answer: Every little girl and subsequent teenager has, at some point or another, wanted to grow their hair out as long as possible. Many characteristics about how your hair grows are fixed and genetic and then there could also be some environmental reasons your hair is not growing as long as you wish.

To grow your hair as long as possible, it helps to understand that hair growth occurs in a regular repeating cycle which can be disrupted by many things.

The normal hair growth cycle:

Anagen Phase: This is the active growing phase of your hair which lasts for an average of 3 years (1000 days), but can be anywhere from 2-6 years and determines the length of your hair. The longer the growth cycle, the longer hairs can grow before being shed. The reason you cannot see hair growing is because the average growth rate is just 0.37mm per day.

Catagen Phase: During this time, lasting 1-2 weeks on average, hair follicles undergo a transition from the growing phase to a resting phase during which all growth activity ceases. Whatever length the hair is, it will not grow any longer.

Telogen Phase: This is the final resting phase and hair follicles remain in this phase around 3-4 months, or 100 days on average, before they are pushed out by new hairs growing underneath or pulled out by a hairbrush or other mechanical action causing friction such as shampooing.

Your scalp normally contains 100,000 hairs, and the average number of hairs shed daily is 100-150. Hair (unlike nails) does not grow continuously but stops growing after a pre-determined period of time and is replaced by new hair. While many things can disrupt the normal growth cycle, halt hair growth and increase fall out, nothing, including medications, shaving techniques or menstruation can make hair grow faster. And, since the number of hair follicles is pre-determined in utero and does not increase after birth, there’s nothing you can do to increase the amount of hair that you have, despite what many websites and products may have you believe.

Hair grows normally, and at different rates, on all skin surfaces except palms, soles of hands and feet and specific genital areas. In addition, terminal (dark, course) hair is always present on men’s face, chest and abdomen. The duration of hair growth cycles (and hair length) vary with the anatomical location of the hair, for example, scalp growth lasts for 3-5 years and the eyelash cycle averages just 3-5 months.

Lifestyle factors that can affect your hair growth cycle

Aside from a genetic set point that determines your personal hair growth cycle and hair length, here are some other factors that may be inhibiting your hair’s growth and health:

Unnecessary roughness. Sometimes hair doesn’t appear to be growing because it breaks off in the middle or at the ends. This can be caused by rough treatment in shampooing, toweling wet hair, combing and brushing, tight pony tails and braids and use of heated appliances all causing hair to weaken as it ages (the ends) and simply break off. Any injury such as a burn or laceration to the scalp can also cause a scar resulting in permanent hair loss to the area contributing to a shorter look.

Telogen Effluvium. Any physical or emotional trauma can shock your body (and your hair follicles) which halts the hair growth phase and pushes it straight to the telogen phase causing a shedding of a larger than normal amount of hair (which thankfully and usually reverses). Some of the most common causes are extreme crash diets, child birth, menopause, chemotherapy and even a prolonged high fever along with emotional traumas such as death of a loved one or a traumatic divorce or other life change.

Hair loss diseases. Systemic, skin disease and deficiencies can affect the scalp, the hair shaft and the hair follicles. These include folliculitis (an infection of the hair follicles which can involve just one inflamed follicle or spread to others), autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata, psoriasis or lupus that result in patchy hair loss, seborrheic dermatitis, fungal infections and eventrichotillomania (a compulsive disorder characterized by a secret compulsion to pull hair out from the head and body parts), among other skin and hair diseases.

Medications. Some medications are known to have the side effect of diffuse (all over the head) hair loss. These include beta-blockers (blood pressure medications), certain oral birth control pills, isotretinoin (for treatment of acne), antidepressants (serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SRIs) and some cholesterol-lowering drugs. Hair loss will not occur in everyone, but if you experience it, work with your doctor to evaluate different medications and dosages to improve or stop the hair loss.

How a dermatologist diagnoses hair loss conditions:

Hair care and lifestyle evaluation. We can determine the causes of telogen effluvium or medication side effects and educate you about treating hair gentler.

Hair pull test. If a gentle tugging of the hair produces more than 6 hairs at a time we consider that an abnormal hair loss condition.

A thorough visual examination. This is how we rule out skin and scalp hair loss diseases.

Scalp biopsy and culture. If we notice any lesions, papules or pustules we will culture and biopsy the area to rule out scalp infections, fungal infections and carcinomas.

So, while you may never have hair as long as a mermaid, you can make the best of the hair you have by maintaining a healthy lifestyle of nutrition and exercise and being gentler on your hair at all times.

This past Tuesday, the United States surgeon general issued a call to action to prevent skin cancer, calling it a major public health problem that requires immediate action.

Nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer each year. According to the American Cancer Society, more cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer cases combined and skin cancer rates are increasing.

“We all need to take an active role to prevent skin cancer by protecting our skin outdoors and avoiding intentional sun exposure and indoor tanning,” said Acting Surgeon General Boris D. Lushniak, MD, MPH.

I say this all the time, but it bears repeating as often as possible:

“Most skin cancer is 100 percent preventable.”

Most cases of melanoma – as many as 90 percent – are believed to be caused by cumulative exposure to UV rays. UV rays are also a major risk factor for the most common curable forms of skin cancer, basal and squamous cell skin cancers. Exposure to UV rays comes from the sun and other sources like tanning beds and sunlamps and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now requires that tanning beds and sunlamps carry a warning stating people under 18 should not use them. Lushniak said there is a flawed perception in the US that tanned skin looks healthy, and that needs to change. I always say,

“Tanned skin is damaged skin.”

According to the Melanoma Education Foundation, One blistering sunburn before age 20 doubles your lifetime risk of melanoma. Three or more blistering sunburns before age 20 multiplies your lifetime risk by five.

Question: My acne is so bad I’m desperate to try Accutane – but I’ve heard scary things about its side effects. What’s the truth about this medication and how can I get rid of this acne once and for all?

Sick and tired of acne? Try Isotretinoin

Answer: First of all, the brand “Accutane” is no longer available so we should speak about it using its generic name which is isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is an acne medication that does resolve acne in most patients once and for all.

Isotretinoin is more mainstream than you think. While we do use it for severe acne and acne that just doesn’t resolve after we’ve tried many other well-known combinations of medication, both topical, oral and in combination; we also use it in patients who need to have perfect skin such as models, actresses, those in the public eye and in patients who are (frankly) really sick of having to deal with and look at their acne on a daily basis.

Although isotrentioin is approved only for severe cystic acne, it is really useful in less severe forms of acne to prevent the need for continuous treatment and repeated office visits those patients require. In my opinion, oral isotrentioin is warranted for severe acne, poorly responsive acne (acne that improves by less than 50% after 6 months of therapy with combined oral and topical antibiotics), acne that relapses off oral treatment or acne that induces scarring and psychological distress.

Isotretinoin is the only thing that I can tell you will cure a patient of acne. Generally speaking, a patient who we have treated with isotretinoin will almost certainly never break out to the same degree again. Most patients are pretty clear for usually up to 5 years after finishing the course. For those with acne and rosacea, oral isotretinoin has been shown to induce a full remission in many cases.

How I prescribe isotretinoin

I usually start patients at a half-dose (20-40 mg daily) to decrease flare-ups of the cystic acne and then increase it on a monthly based on the patient’s response. A higher dose based on a patient’s weight, increases the likelihood of a prolonged remission. While a usual course may be around 5 months, sometimes I extend the length, again, based on the patient’s response.

The major advantage to choosing isotretinoin treatment is reliability in almost all patients.

A course of isotretinoin leads to a remission that may last many months or years. Approximately 40-60% of patients remain acne-free after a single course of isotretinoin. About one-third of patients who relapse will need only topical therapy; the others sometimes need oral therapy. I often retreat patients with isotretinoin again because it is reliably effective and we can predict their side effects.

What you can expect while taking isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is a potent teratogen (affects a developing fetus) and causes severe birth defects if taken while a woman is pregnant. For this reason the medication is tightly regulated; both the prescriber and the patient need to be registered with the iPledge program in order for us to write the prescriptions and for the patient to receive them. What is important to remember is that use of isotretinoin does not affect future pregnancies; however, pregnancy is absolutely contraindicated while the patient is taking isotretinoin.

Although you may experience any of the physical side effects such as dryness, inflammation of the lips (chelitis), nosebleeds (epistaxis), sensitivity to the sun (photosensitivity), itchy skin, and many others, most are extremely manageable.

There have been many claims of adverse events from patients while taking this medication, so we monitor patients thoroughly during their course of treatment. These include elevations in blood cholesterol, gastrointestinal disorders, liver enzyme elevations, psychiatric disorders, visual and hearing impairment and others.
However, in all my years of prescribing the medication, I have rarely stopped the drug because of the side effects.

I do tell patients taking isotretinoin to:

Avoid the sun due to hypersensitivity

Avoid waxing and electrolysis due to skin sensitivity

Use two effective forms of contraception

The truth is, when the patient is thoroughly monitored and all precautions are managed, isotretinoin is an extremely effective option for patients with the worst cases of acne and for those patients who acne is negatively affecting their lives.

Question: Is there such a thing as sweating too much? What can I do about it if I’m constantly soaking through my clothes? It’s so embarrassing, especially at work!

Answer: Yes, the condition definitely heats up during the summer months but can plague sufferers all year long with overly sweaty armpits, palms and even on soles of the feet. It is called hyperhidrosis which just means “excessive sweating.”

Hyperhidrosis is simply abnormally heavy perspiration. Sweating is a normal bodily function, but some people may have overactive sweat glands that produce more sweat beyond what is required for regulation of body temperature. It can be most noticeable at the armpits because sweat can soak through clothing and become obviously embarrassing. Or you may also be aware your palms are often sweaty so you avoid shaking hands with others. Hyperhidrosis can occur in many parts of the body whether exposed to triggers such as heat, physical activity or exertion, embarrassment, stress or not.

To gauge your sweating problem, we will try you on stronger prescription-grade antiperspirants which can also help block sweat glands to reduce sweating. Typical over-the-counter antiperspirants are 1-2% aluminum chloride but prescription products can contain up to a 20% solution of aluminum chloride hexahydrate or similar aluminum salts. While these can be irritating in those with sensitive skin and sweat glands, they do reduce perspiration, however they require continuous usage.

After a few weeks of trial, if the prescription products do not reduce your sweating problem well enough, we can now use Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA), which is FDA approved for the treatment of excessive sweating of armpits. We also use Myobloc® (rimabotulinumtoxinB) or Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA) off-label as an alternative, especially for those who have excessive sweating on palms and soles of feet.

These injections work to temporarily de-nerve the sweat gland and results in a local reduction in sweating where injections have been administered for up 5 months. Injections must be repeated at regular intervals to keep excessive sweating at bay and you may still need to use an antiperspirant.

Question: I’ve seen plenty of products in the drug store skincare aisle that contain retinol and say they reduce the appearance of fine lines while balancing an uneven complexion. Is this the same as the Retin-A products I can get by prescription?

Read drug store retinol cream labels looking for vitamin A!

Answer: While they are both derivatives of Vitamin A, called “retinoids,” and used to promote faster skin cell turnover, they are not the same.

All retinoids have been well-studied, tested and been proven effective and powerful for treating skin issues ranging from acne to many signs of aging, including sun damage.

But there is a marked difference between retinoid products you get only by prescription and the retinol products you see on drug-store shelves.

Retinoid products are prescription-only skincare products containing the most commonly-known natural vitamin A derivative, tretinoin which comes in name brands such as Atralin, Retin-A (and Micro) among others. These proven prescription products increase the rate of cell turnover to uncover healthier skin-whether it’s reducing fine lines or evening out the texture or color of your skin. Common side effects include dryness, redness, cracking, irritation and skin peeling. There are two other prescription strength (lesser known) prescription retinoids-tazarotene (Tazorac) and adapalene (Differin).

If you find, during the dead of winter, that dryness, peeling, redness and cracking are more pronounced, simply reduce the usage of your prescription retinoid to just once per day, or every other day or even every two or three days until side effects are diminished. By the way, winter weather and drier indoor heat may be exacerbating your already winter-dry skin, if you need to use them less don’t worry, the powerful retinoids still do their job!

Retinol products don’t require a prescription so you can buy them over-the-counter at the drug store or grocery store, without a prescription. Retinols are simply a synthetic, weaker version of a retionid and as such, they act more slowly than a retinoid. However, these products can be useful if you find prescription retinoid products too strong for your skin. They are also a good beginning step to starting your skin on a topical retinoid.

When choosing a drug store retinol product, check the ingredients list to make sure vitamin A is listed toward the top of the ingredients list. Also, in terms of packaging, look for an air-tight bottle that keeps the light out (exposure to light makes the products less stable and effective and more susceptible to bacteria growth.)

Question: Help – what is this bluish, clear very noticeable round lump on my lower lip?

Answer: I had a young patient come into the office this week with just that: A clear, bluish-tinted bump on her lower lip. It was more than just a “fat lip.” I immediately suspected a mucocele because of the bluish tint, roundness and the lower lip placement, so I asked the mom if her daughter had hit or bumped her lip in some way. Yes, she had been riding her bike and fell, hitting that portion of her lip against her teeth. But a mucocele is not just a child’s occurrence…it can happen to anyone who bumps their lower lip on anything which can be common in active adults when skiing, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking or other activities.

Any face-first fall can cause a mucocele

Luckily, a mucocele is easy to treat. Usually, just one soft, round, painless lesion (lump) appears noticeably on the lower lip, which may be anywhere from 2-10 mm in diameter. It may look clear or bluish and the bluish tint represents a bruising to the mucous duct from the trauma. The exact cause of the lump is a rupture of a minor salivary (mucous) duct, which causes a leaking of mucous into cystic spaces combined with inflammation from the trauma.

As new connective tissue is formed, scarring may form. That’s why I always drain the mucocele (cyst) of its excess fluid to allow the healing process to begin before any more damage to surrounding tissue occurs. A quick, tiny incision to the cyst releases the thick fluid. If scar tissue forms we may treat it using cryotherapy (freezing) or a laser resurfacing treatment.

I also recommend rinsing the mouth thoroughly with a mixture of one tablespoon of salt to one cup of warm water four to six times per day to help it heal.

A cyst like this can occur elsewhere in your mouth. Musicians who play wind instruments may develop a mucocele opposite the upper second molar on the inside of the cheek (called the buccal mucosa) from the repeated pressure on the mucous duct there.

A mucocele can also form anywhere in the mouth when there is a true blockage of a salivary duct (which may turn painful), so always see a dermatologist or dentist immediately if you see or feel a bump in your mouth.

Question: I had an injury to my shoulder earlier this year and while the wound has mostly healed and is no longer scabby, the resulting scar is still painful, raised, hard and lumpy. It’s bigger and uglier than the original wound. What can I do?

Answer: There are two types of scars that resemble what you describe and there’s a lot we can do in the dermatologists office to help them look and feel better.

Keloid scar

Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars

This type of scarring is usually after local skin trauma (e.g., laceration, tattoo, burn, vaccination or surgery) or as a result of an inflammatory skin disorder (e.g., acne, bites or abscesses).

Scars are composed of new connective tissue that replaces lost tissue in the dermis or deeper parts of the skin, as a result of injury. Their size and shape are determined by the form of the previous wound. The process of scarring is characteristic of certain inflammatory processes. A resulting scar can be thin (atrophic) or thickened, fibrous and overgrown. Some individuals and some areas of the body (e.g., anterior chest) are especially prone to scarring. Scars may be smooth or rough, pliable or firm, they can be pink or violaceous or become white. They can also be hyperpigmented (darkened). Scars are persistent and normally become less noticeable in the course of time.

At times though, and in certain anatomical locations (e.g., shoulders, sternum, mandible and arms) they can grow thick, tough and corded forming a hypertrophic scar or keloid. Under normal circumstances, wound healing takes place through the rapid and repeated reproduction of fibroblasts (the most common cells of connective tissue) at the wound site. But when fibroblast activity continues unchecked and excessive collagen (protein found in connective tissue) is deposited at the site of injury, the scar gets too big and a hypertrophic scar or keloid is formed.

A Hypertrophic Scar remains confined to the borders of the original wound and most of the time, retains its shape. It is characterized by hardness, redness and irritation compared to the surrounding skin and can take the form of a firm papule or nodule.

Conversely, a Keloid is an overgrowth of dense fibrous tissue that you’ll notice extending beyond the borders of the original wound. Like a hypertrophic scar, a keloid can be hardened, raised and often darkly discolored. Keloids do not regress, appear to get better or shrink over time on their own. Instead they grow in a pseudo tumor fashion and distort the size and shape of the original lesion.

If you know you have a hereditary predisposition toward keloid scarring, mention that to your dermatologist because then we will not try to surgically remove them (called excision) because keloids tend to recur.

The differences… A hypertrophic scar can occur at an any age and usually stays within the borders of the original wound, whereas a keloid commonly occurs in the third decade and enlarges beyond the area of the initial wounding with web-like extensions. Keloidal growth can also be triggered by pregnancy and compared with hypertrophic scars, a keloid can often be painful and super-sensitive.

How we treat stubborn keloids and hypertrophic scarring

We often use a 3-step process in the office to attack raised, hardened scars as soon as we notice a scar is exhibiting signs of hardening, as early as one month-post op, in the case of a scar due to surgery. The earlier you treat a keloid or hypertrophic scar, the better your results will be.

We inject 5-fluorouracil “5-FU” (used primarily as an anti-cancer drug but also used for the prevention of scars in glaucoma surgery for at least 15 years) combined with a specific low-dose corticosteroid (to reduce further inflammation and any pain) along with Pulsed Dye Laser treatments.

5-FU works to reduce skin’s metabolism rate and inhibits the over-production of the fibroblasts building up on and around the wound. We combine that with Kenalog (triamcinolone), the low-dose corticosteroid, and perform injections one to three times per week, at regular intervals such as Monday, Wednesday and Friday, depending on how red, hardened and inflamed the scar is. Once the scar softens, injections can be reduced to two times per week, once a week and then every other week, monthly and finally, every six months. The Pulsed Dye Laser is used to decrease any redness, to normalize the wound surface and improve skin texture at the scar and to further blend scar into surrounding skin and we perform those treatments in intervals of four to eight months apart.

While any keloid or hypertrophic scar can be treated with this technique, you’ll get the best results the younger the scar is. The more inflamed and symptomatic the scar, the better the response to treatment. Older scars that have been hardened for many years and are not inflamed, red, itchy or painful, will not respond as quickly or as thoroughly. Hypertrophic scars respond better than keloids, which frequently recur, although small isolated keloids (less than 2 cm in diameter) usually completely resolve with this technique without recurrence.

No matter what, keep all scars out of the sun for best healing, at least until the “pink” of new skin is gone because exposure to the sun only makes scars darker.

Question: I’ve noticed more hair fall out than usual recently, so, upon looking at my scalp and feeling around more closely, I’ve found several different areas with around my scalp where there is no hair. Some areas of hair loss feel smooth with no hair in them and some are sensitive and painful, as if a sore is there or has healed. HELP!

Answer: Clinically, we call that cicatricial alopecia which is the medical term for hair loss due to scarring.

Sores, inflammation and scars on the scalp for any reason can cause hair follicles to die, and resulting hair loss can be permanent!

Since scars, sores or inflammation occur due to many different causes, you should head directly to your dermatologist so you can have your scalp examined and a diagnosis made. The sooner you figure out the the source, the sooner you can begin treatment to cure any lesions (sores) so they don’t scar and cause permanent hair loss. Once hair loss occurs, hair does not usually grow back because the scar tissue has killed the hair follicle.

How we diagnose cicatrical alopecia, or scarring alopecia

It’s a process that starts with many questions. We will ask you about any recent illnesses, injuries, allergies, your lifestyle, medications and your haircare regimen. We will closely examine your scalp using a magnifying glass and a special light to determine if the lesions have bacterial or fungal causes. We will feel your entire scalp and any lesions feeling for inflammation, sores or scales to determine the exact nature of the lesions and how they appear at different stages and locations. We will also document any hair loss that has occurred and take pictures for future reference. Often, we will take a biopsy of the sore or scarred area to determine the exact cause (if bacterial or fungal) and also to examine the health of the hair follicles to ascertain the severity of the condition. (We use a 4mm punch biopsy to provide an adequate specimen from an active lesion. Sometimes we will also take another sample from an unscarred area.)

inflamed, causing hair loss

Any type of scalp reaction or injury resulting in a lesion that causes a scar can cause death to the hair follicles and permanent hair loss and we call that scarring alopecia. Lesions that cause scars and hair loss can be caused by any of the following conditions and diseases:

UNKNOWN ORIGIN & AUTOIMMUNE

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE): A chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed sores that begin as a red, inflamed patch with a scaly and/or crusty look and feel. The patches leave noticeably discolored, raised scars. Hair follicles are damaged first by the sores and then the resulting scar tissue causes permanent hair loss.

Lichen planopilaris: Also called follicular lichen planus, this a rare inflammatory condition results in patchy progressive permanent hair loss. Initially you may notice some small or spiny red bumps around involved follicles which may or may not be itchy. This eventually forms larger reddish lesions (resembling a lichen pattern) and scar tissue which damages hair follicles and causes hair to fall out and not grow back. Additionally, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia appears to be a variant of lichen planopilaris. This occurs in mostly older women and appears in a band-like pattern in the frontal and temporal areas of the scalp. Often, a patient’s eyebrows are also affected.

Sarcoidosis: This disease, also with unknown origin, causes collections of mixed inflammatory cells (granulomas) which form lesions resulting in scarring at many different parts of the body, including the scalp.

FUNGAL

Seborrheic dermatitis: We believe this condition is an inflammatory reaction related to an over-abundance of a normal yeast species found on the scalp called M. globosa. It produces toxic substances that irritate the scalp causing a scaly rash.

Ringworm (tinea capitis): On the scalp, this common fungal infection characterized by itchy red rings can result in scaling and hair loss in children, and can progress to folliculitis, too (see below).

BACTERIAL

Folliculitis decalvans: Simple folliculitis is any bacterial infection of the hair follicles. But when hair loss is caused by redness, swelling and pustules surrounding hair follicles that appears to be spreading, it is called folliculitis decalvans. Another type of scarring alopecia, hairs shed as follicles are completely destroyed by the inflammation. A resulting scar is left behind where hair will no longer grow. Simple folliculitis (one sore) can stem from a bug bite or a scratch and flare-up or spread if infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus but recently we have found Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in some lesions and boils, so we always want to take a culture in any open lesions on the scalp, especially those that are spreading. In addition, a variant of folliculitis decalvans occurs in African Americans who present with ingrown hairs of the beard (pseudofolliculitis), acne keloidalis (a destructive folliculitis of the back of the scalp) and scarring alopecia.

TRAUMA

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA): Usually seen in African American women, this type of scarring alopecia usually develops on the crown and spreads peripherally to form a large oval of hair loss on the scalp. Originally, this type of hair loss was thought to be caused by hair straightening with a hot comb or due to the hot petrolatum used with the iron; however, was also found to take place in patients without the use of hot combs or straightening methods.

How we aggressively treat lesions that cause scars…

permanent scars & hair loss

Once we know what may be causing the lesions, we can treat them to minimize spreading, scarring and any resulting hair loss, using any of the following treatments or combinations of treatments:

I have found that most patients experience hair loss very gradually (and cannot see the back and top of their head) and the prolonged course of the disease may cause a lack of necessary action. You need to know that the progressive destruction of hairs will result in ever-expanding areas of permanent hair loss. So, no matter what, go see a dermatologist as soon as you feel any sores, pimples, pustules, pain, itchiness, scaliness or inflammation on your scalp, whether or not they have already caused hair loss, because they need to be treated ASAP and aggressively as possible.

Question: I’ve heard conflicting opinions about what age babies can go in the sun. Is there a sun exposure rule for healthy skin for babies?

Always have babies over 6 months in age wear a hat plus sunscreen and other protective clothing

Answer: I second the advice of the The American Academy of Pediatrics, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Cancer Society: Keep babies under 6 months old out of the sun entirely and do not apply sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months. Babies who are 6 months or older should be protected with clothing, hats, a broad-spectrum sunscreen and shade. Look for broad-spectrum formulations specifically for babies and toddlers who have more sensitive skin than adults. The time that they spend in the sun should be very limited.

Did you know?More than half of a person’s lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 20. Remember, skin keeps impeccable records, so every minute spent in the sun adds up as skin damage and possibly skin cancer. More than one million Americans develop skin cancer every year mostly from long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

UV exposure makes you look old before your time and causes:

• Wrinkling

• Blotching

• Drying

• Leathering of the skin

Beginning with babies 6 months and older, limit time in the sun and protect skin with sunscreen and protective hats and clothing whenever exposed.

Question: I’ve been reading more and more about using coconut oil for hair and skin. Do you think this is a good idea? Can you tell me how to buy coconut oil and how to use it properly?

As a solid, its an ointment or balm, warmed to a liquid, its a moisturizing, conditioning oil

Answer: I love coconut oil as an added treat for hair and skin (as long as you are not allergic to nuts or coconut). But, I only recommend buying organic unrefined expeller-pressed virgin coconut oil (also called VCO).

I think VCO is a great addition to any hair and skin routine because:

It has no preservatives, additives, or color.

It’s available at any local health food store or online.

It’s affordable at $9 for a small 14 oz. jar.

It’s a multi-use beauty product: Coconut oil is a solid (like butter) at room temperature and ideal as an ointment or lip balm, but if you place the jar in warm water, it melts into a liquid oil perfect for massaging, baths, a moisturizer or a hair mask.

That smell is like being on a desert island (refined VCO does not retain its natural coconut aroma).

The real beauty of VCO for skin and hair is its natural, molecular composition

Not only does VCO have a high saturated fat content-composed of 90% saturated triglycerides, but its low molecular weight and straight linear chain (called a medium-chain fatty acid, in contrast to other saturated fats comprised of long chain fatty acids which make them larger molecules), it is able to permeate the hair shaft and skin surface rather than just sitting on top. That’s what makes it so effective. If you use it at room temperature (when it is solid) it is the perfect ointment to relieve dehydrated, chapped, scaly and itchy skin and it can even improve symptoms of psoriasis and excema.

The medical literature supports my own observations of VCO as a healthful skin conditioner and moisturizer. Studies have shown that VCO use may improve skin barrier function (protecting skin from bacteria and fungal intrusion) and decrease trans-epidermal water loss (skin’s ability to retain moisture). Animal studies have shown that coconut oil use can improve wound healing and increase collagen production, too.

For hair, in addition to its high absorbability, VCOcontains a high percentage of the saturated fat, lauric acid, which also is highly attracted to the protein in hair. Because VCO actually absorbs through the hair shaft, it has positive effects on the strength of hair while it prevents hair damage and protein loss from styling, brushing and even chemical treatments.

A little coconut oil on your skin and hair goes a long way:

As a daily body moisturizer, after shower or bath

As a bath oil

As a skin exfoliator for skin and to help control dandruff in hair

As a cuticle conditioner

As a lip balm

As an intensive hair mask, from scalp to ends

As a scalp or body massage oil

Coconut oil can be greasy if applied too heavily, but don’t worry, it absorbs in a few minutes leaving behind that beachy smell and softer, healthier, smoother skin.

It can be applied on wet or dry skin. But only apply to dry hair because water limits the VCO from coating the hair properly and permeating the hair shaft. To remove VCO from hair, do not wet first. Simply lather up shampoo in your hands and apply directly and completely over hair and scalp, from roots to ends, then rinse thoroughly.

VCO can be applied in the same way to children and adults. Just be sure that you don’t use coconut oil at all if you are allergic to nuts or to coconut.

Have you tried virgin coconut oil yet? What’s your favorite way to use it?